Indonesia and the European Union have officially reached a key milestone in finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement was announced following a high-level meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. President von der Leyen emphasized that CEPA would unlock vast economic opportunities across various sectors, strengthening supply chains for critical raw materials essential for energy and digital transitions. She highlighted that the EU’s economic partnerships prioritize environmental and social responsibility, promoting responsible supply chains while creating new markets and opportunities in sectors like agriculture, automotive, and services.
President Prabowo welcomed the agreement as a significant achievement in Indonesia-EU economic relations, aligning both sides’ interests to be complementary and mutually beneficial. He stressed the strategic importance of a partnership between Indonesia and Europe, emphasizing their roles in global stability given Europe’s expertise in science, technology, and finance, combined with Indonesia’s strategic natural resources. According to Prabowo, significant progress has been made with no major unresolved issues between the two parties.
President von der Leyen echoed Prabowo’s sentiments, highlighting the economic benefits that this partnership would bring to both parties. She emphasized the significance of establishing predictable, long-term partnerships based on trust, transparency, and shared values. Prabowo expressed hopes for the formal signing of the CEPA implementation agreement in Brussels, marking a new chapter in the Indonesia-EU strategic partnership focused on job creation, investment, and shared economic growth.
